How to clean the dirtiest items in your house
Even in the cleanest of homes, germs might
be lurking in the most surprising everyday items. We can’t possibly
remember to clean everything, and many of us tend to neglect a few
things that don’t necessarily look dirty on the outside. This can lead
to the accumulation of all kinds of bacteria that you definitely do not
want in your vicinity. For that reason, we compiled this list of 8
household items that might be a lot dirtier than you think and require
regular cleaning and upkeep.
1. Kitchen Sponge
The kitchen sponge is probably the dirtiest item in your home, according
to microbiologists and germ experts. As you clean various surfaces and
dishes with your sponge, its porous surface collects food particles.
Combined with the moisture of the sponge, the result is the perfect
environment for bacteria to grow. One study published in 2017 in the
journal Scientific Reports analyzed the bacterial microbiomes in 14
kitchen sponges. The researchers found no less than 362 bacterial
species!
How to clean:
It’s been suggested that boiling or microwaving your kitchen sponges can
kill the bacteria lurking in them. However, researchers have concluded
that not only are these sanitation methods ineffective but in some
cases, they might even increase the number of bacteria in the sponge.
The best thing you could do is to simply replace your kitchen sponge
every two weeks. Alternatively, you may try to switch to a silicone
scrubber, which doesn't require such frequent replacement.
2. Bath Towels
Similarly to sponges, bath towels hoard moisture and thus lend
themselves perfectly to bacteria. “Towels usually have a large number of
fecal bacteria in them because they stay moist, and bacteria love
moisture”, explained Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University
of Arizona. Flushing the toilet in the same room you keep your towels
and the damp conditions in bathrooms both contribute to your towel
turning into one of the dirtiest household items.
How to clean:
If you were as alarmed as we were by the information shared by Gerba,
you must be wondering how you can take better care of your towels. Well,
when it comes to cleaning bath towels, you should remember two things -
frequency and temperature. Your towels should be washed every two days
in hot water, which is essential to kill bacteria. You may add a laundry
product with activated oxygen bleach along with your regular detergent,
to be extra safe.
3. Toothbrush
Toothbrushes contain millions of bacteria, some from our mouths, and
some from the environment where the toothbrush is stored. If you keep
all the toothbrushes in the same holder, they can be further
contaminated by direct contact with another toothbrush. And there is
also the unpleasant matter of the toothbrushes getting sprayed with
fecal bacteria when you flush the toilet (if they are in the same space,
of course).
How to clean:
Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months or whenever the
bristles start to fray. But besides that, if you want to keep your
toothbrush extra clean, The American Dental Association suggests soaking
your toothbrush in 3% hydrogen peroxide or Listerine mouthwash to
reduce bacteria. And, of course, you should rinse it thoroughly and let
it air dry after every use.
4. Kitchen Utensils
Of course, we all try to keep our kitchen
utensils as clean as possible, but certain tools might retain more germs
than others. For example, the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
found that can openers and rubber spatulas tested positive for E. Coli,
yeasts, and mold. Another item that deserves a mention is the utensil
tray. Just think of the many hands reaching into the utensil tray daily,
not to mention all the crumbs that fall in.
How to clean:
The dishwasher is your safest bet when it comes to disinfecting your
kitchen utensils. Can openers and rubber spatulas should be placed in
the dishwasher after each use (you may be surprised to learn that rubber
tools can be cleaned in the washing machine as well). If the silicone
head of your spatula detaches from the handle, separate the two pieces
before placing them in the dishwasher to make sure each one is
thoroughly cleaned.
If you don’t own a dishwasher, hand wash the utensils in hot soapy
water. As for the utensil tray, it’s a good idea to empty it entirely at
least once a month and wash it with soap or place it in the dishwasher,
too.
5. Coffee Makers
Your daily cup of coffee could be providing you with more than just an
energy boost. A 2015 survey published in Scientific Reports tested the
coffee machines of 10 different families and found that every single one
contained some sort of bacterium. Bacteria strains discovered included
staphylococcus, streptococcus, and E. coli. These germs could
potentially cause gastrointestinal issues.
How to clean:
Your coffee maker should be cleaned once a month, following the
manufacturer’s instructions. The NSF recommends adding up to four cups
of undiluted vinegar to the reservoir, letting it stand for 30 minutes,
and then running the vinegar through the unit. To remove the vinegar
odor, run the machine with fresh water for two to three cycles.
6. Keyboards
The average American spends approximately 6.5 hours a day on the
computer - and that’s at work alone. With so much direct contact with
our fingers, it’s no surprise that keyboards are brimming with germs. A
2018 study that tested various keyboards found that the majority of them
were infected with several types of bacteria.
How to clean:
Firstly, unplug the keyboard or laptop, then turn it upside down to let
any loose debris fall out naturally (if you have a can of compressed
air, you can use it to blow any additional debris). Dampen a cotton swab
and use it to clean around the keys. Remember, the swab should be wet
but not dripping. Avoid getting moisture into any of the openings.
For the top of the keyboard keys and surrounding areas, use a dampened
cloth. Finally, use a lint-free cloth to remove the last of the dust and
polish the keyboard.
7. Reusable Water Bottles
If the only thing that goes into your reusable water bottle is water, then it
should be quite clean, right? Wrong. "Bacteria tend to form a biofilm on
the inside of the reusable container over time," said Dr. Philip
Tierno, clinical professor of pathology and microbiology at NYU Langone
Medical Center. Moreover, you’re unscrewing and capping your water
bottle several times a day - basically, you’re ensuring that whatever
was on your hands is getting into the bottle.
How to clean:
Your water bottle needs to be washed every day. Fill the bottle with
warm water and squeeze some dishwashing liquid into it, then scrub the
walls and the bottom using a bottle brush. Be sure you clean the lip of
the bottle as well.
Because bacteria thrive in moist environments, it’s a good idea to dry
the bottle with a paper towel, or a clean dishtowel. If you still prefer
to let it air dry, make sure you leave the cap off.
8. Shoes
Your parents knew what they were talking about when they asked you not
to wear your shoes inside the house. Through the soles of our shoes, we
bring a myriad of germs into our homes, including the novel coronavirus.
How to clean:
There are several ways to keep shoes clean. You can remove dirt from the
outsole with a soft bristle shoe brush - if you don’t have one, an old
toothbrush will work just fine. For a more thorough clean, mix warm
water with a small amount of laundry detergent, apply the solution onto
your brush, and scrub the outsole and midsole. In the case of sneakers,
you can simply pop them into the washing machine.